Oral Cancer Exam - South Dakota Health Department

Oral Health Program
Dental Care
Materials & Resources
For Kids
For Parents
For Teachers
For Health Providers
Services

Have you had an oral cancer exam?

Of all the diseases of the oral cavity, oral cancer is the most serious. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer. The prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer and when it is diagnosed. Early detection and prevention continues to be the primary focus in reducing the morbidity and mortality rate.

Many dental exams include an oral cancer exam which consists of a thorough visual and manual examination of the mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, throat, pharynx and tongue. However, people who use tobacco, alcohol, or are outdoors frequently, should even learn how to do their own oral cancer screening too since all of these factors place them in a high-risk category.

Many times the initial cancer lesion is painless. If you have any of the following and they do not resolve or disappear in 14 days, they should be checked by your dentist:

A red, white, or red/white speckled patch that cannot be wiped off and won’t go away
A sore that bleeds easily and won’t heal
A lump or thickening anywhere in the mouth or neck
Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
A change in the way the teeth fit together
Trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.

For further information visit the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse offers a site,Oral Health, Cancer Care and You, and also provides a list of publications that can be ordered (most of which are free of charge). For more information about a self exam and a demonstration of the procedure, visit this site.